Perfspots

The Seaweed in Playa del Carmen
Published by dvotravels on | Permalink
Hi everyone! Today I am going to talk about our road trip in Mexico. Right now I am travelling through Mexico with a friend of mine from Switzerland. We have a lot of fun. We arrived couple days ago from Cuba and flew directly to Cancun.

For our 2 weeks road trip we rented a nice Chevrolet to explore the state Yacután.

Playa del Carmen

First stop Playa del Carmen, a trendy town right at the beach, famous for its nightlife, bars and restaurants. You will find huge hotel complexes, all kinds of food and places to relax. They also offer massages, jetski rentals and boat tours.

Where we stayed?

We stayed at the Gran SAHARA Hotel two blocks away from the beach. The hotel offers a breakfast, a pool on the roof and nice rooms. We payed 40 dollars a night for two person, pretty nice!

Breakfast included

You can eat breakfast in the restaurant next to the hotel. It is simple, fruit with a toast and coffee or tea with orange juice. If you want to add eggs or something else it will cost.

Gran SAHARA Hotel

There are a lot of hotels right at the beach which offer a lot but there is a downside!

Playa del Carmen, how is the beach?

So if you look up this place in the internet (Google) it will blow you away. Everything you need, crystal clear water, white sand and nice beach bars to enjoy your stay. But the nature has planned something different. The whole beach is covered with seaweed. Not just a little, tons of it! It covers the beach and the first couple meters in to the water. The smell is really bad and makes it not enjoyable at all. I felt bad for all the people who booked expensive hotels right at the beach. We asked around and can say that it changes from time to time. There are months during the year where you will be able to swim with much less seaweed. But in this month April not. This problem goes down the whole coast to Tulum and more. There are a lot of activities like diving in cenotes like caves, diving with whale sharks, which is amazing and visiting Maya ruins. So it is still worth a visit!

I will keep you posted on my travel as much as I can, since I don’t want to leave my friend alone all the time.

Thanks for reading my Post about Playa del Carmen in MEXICO!

Links: website: http://perfspots.com/dvotravels steemit: https://steemit.com/@dvotravels instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveone91/ here i book flights: https://goo.gl/HRhxoy here i book hotels: https://goo.gl/9UxEDR more links: http://perfspots.com/links

Salento and the misty Valle de Cocora!
Published by dvotravels on | Permalink

Today I am going to talk about Salento a little town in the department Quindío.

Salento is almost 1900 metres above sea level and surrounded by mountains. The town counts around 7500 inhabitants and a lot of tourists. Coloured houses, nice little restaurants and bars, shops with handmade jewellery and souvenirs. A quiet but still interesting nightlife with lovely bars that offer live music to enjoy the cold mountain air and have a drink.

Source

The Colombian coffee culture and chilled out vibes make it a must see. Everything is walkable and has a lot of attractions like hiking, horse riding, paragliding and coffee tasting.

A coffee plantation tour: 1 day

In walking distance of the town there are several coffee farms which offer tours to get to know more about the process of making coffee and the Colombian culture behind it. At the end of the tours there will be served a fresh made coffee from the farm.

Take the chance to buy a bag of coffee to support them. They life from the tours and the tourists. A tour lasts around 1 hour, so plan in advanced which farms you want to visit since there is time for more than one in a day.

Hike at Valle de Cocora: 1 day

To take a picture for you next postcard you have to hopp on a 4×4 jeep at the main square of Salento to the Valle de Cocora. The hike takes around 5 to 6 hours through the green valley passing by the famous wax palms of Quindio, up to the countless viewpoints on the way.  Whether you walk through the misty forest or the sunny valley your camera or phone will be your best friend on the way to capture the mysterious and incomparable beauty you will encounter.

Makes sure to bring: 

  • Hiking shoes
  • Snacks and water
  • Rain jacket
  • A hat and sunglasses
  • Camera or Phone
  • Mosquito spray

You will not get bored even if you decide to stay couple more days at Salento, since the chilled vibe and culture will take you in completely.

How to get to Salento?

There are two main airports nearby. One at Armenia and the other at Pereira. Buses leave from either of the town’s bus terminals and take around 2 hours up the curvy roads. You can catch a bus at the Salento bus terminal located a little out of the city to get back to the airport. The bus tickets are really cheap, if you prefer a more comfortable way with taxi you will have to pay around 150 dollars.

My opinion?

So my opinion at the end? For sure a must do if you are traveling through Colombia. It is not comparable to the main cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali or the Caribbean region of Colombia. One of the most beautiful places I have seen in this country. So don’t think long and just book your flight!

 

So thanks a lot for reading my post. I hope it helps and will make your next Colombian trip a great experience.

 

Links:
website: http://perfspots.com/dvotravels
steemit: https://steemit.com/@dvotravels
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveone91/ here i book flights: https://goo.gl/HRhxoy
here i book hotels: https://goo.gl/9UxEDR
more links: http://perfspots.com/links

Cartagena de India, Colombia
Published by dvotravels on | Permalink

So first of all some informations about Cartagena

At my 1 month stay in Colombia I also visited Cartagena for 2 days.

In the colonial era this city was known as Cartagena de India, it was a major port, located on the northern coat of Colombia. Because of its location the port became the main port for trades between Spain and its overseas empire. During this era it was a key port for the import of enslaved Africans and the export of Peruvian silver to Spain. Source

So with all that said Cartagena de India is a must see if your traveling through Colombia. The city’s main attraction is the historical centre (old town) which is surrounded by walls right at the ocean. You will see coloured houses, churches, trendy restaurants and bars and more so. Today it is a touristic place.

So unfortunately I just stayed two days and didn’t have time to see it all, but this are some tips what to see in Cartagena.Enjoy a day walking through the streets of the old town to feel the Colombian vibe.

El Viajero Hostel

I stayed at the Viajero Hostel which is a big hostel group. They have hostels all over Colombia and other countries. They normally offer free Salsa classes and help you with trips, tours and all your questions you might have! Just Wow! El Viajero Hostel Group

Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca is a 45 minutes Bus ride away from Cartagena

This beach keeps you speechless with its stunning turquoise water and white sand as far as your eyes can see! It is close to the Rosario Islands. An Island chain in the Caribbean reachable by boat from Cartagena and Playa Blanca.

Source

Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Castle 

This castle is located on the Hill of San Lázaro. It was built by the Spanish during the colonial era. Building started in the year 1536. I had no time to visit that castle. Tickets can be bought online or at the old town. There are offered tours every day. Decently worth a visit if you stay longer at Cartagena.

Source

Free City Tours!

There are also Free City Tours offered at Cartagena, you will hear about the history of that place and see different spots of the old town. At the end of the tour you are free to give some tip if you liked it, a nice way to offer tours.

So thanks for reading my posts and helping me grow on Steemit! I wish you a nice and relaxing weekend.

 

Happiness is not a destination, it’s a way of life! Travel the World!

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Links:
website: http://perfspots.com/dvotravels
steemit: https://steemit.com/@dvotravels
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveone91/

Tanah Lot Temple
Published by Ivan on | Permalink
tanah-lot

We stayed in Canggu and rent a scooter to explore the Tanah lot temple. Besides the famous Tanah Lot temple you will find in the same park the Purah Batu Bolong Temple, which is a bit underrated and not so known compared to the Tanah Lot. This temple area with those two temples, is probably the most beautiful in Bali!

The Video Log on Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel

How to get to the Tanah Lot temple?

Canggu is situated in the southern part of Bali, close to the better known city "Seminyak". Bali has its own airport in Denpansar which is 40 min car drive away from Canggu. From Canggu you can book a guided tour to the Temple. Take a taxi or an Uber, probably every driver will know where to find the Temple. Concider to rent a scooter as we have done it. Beware of the crazy traffic on Bali streets. But exploring with a scooter is really the most flexible choice.

tanah lot temple

The famous Tanah Lot Temple built on a island in the sea.

Where to stay?

We stayed at a hotel close to the Old Man's Beach which we highly recommend 

Check it out here

This little Bed & Breakfast is an absolute dream and really a realxing oasis. Super kind staff we felt like were family. I also filmed a seperate vlog about this amazing place

What is special there?

The Tanah Lot Temple was built on a Island. Well most of the time its an Island. Depending on the tide, you will be able to walk on the rocks and get access to this "Island". Otherwise the only way to get to the temple is with a boat. At the time we were there we could not get on the Island but it is impressive to see the waves clash against the rocks this temple is built on. Besides the famous Tanah Lot Temple you will also see the Purah Batu Bolong Temple which also a stunning one built on a cliff which is connctet with a stone "bridge" formed by nature. I concider this area as one of the most beautiful temple area in Bali.

Enjung Galuh

Stairs leading from the beach up the way to the temple.

Enjung Galuh

Details of the Purah Batu Bolong Temple

The Perfspots Project

Perfspots stands for Perfect Spots. My passion is to explore places I've never been before. While running a startup, i travel as much as possible. Here i share the Perfect Spots i enjoyed the most. Spots you can get a great meal, sip a coffee with a breathtaking view or experience an exciting adventure. learn more about the project.

 

 

Bali travel

Singapore supercity
Published by Ivan on | Permalink
Singapore Skyline

After we arrived in Singapore the day before, we slept perfectly in the Mercure Bugis Hotel and were super excited to explore the City of Singapore! whatch the video and see what we experienced. I mention things to do in Singapore and things to see there.

The Video Log on Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel

How to get to Singapore?

Singapore is a country and city in the continent of Asia. It has a economically stable situation and is home for a lot of big companies situated in the city of Singapore. This brings cheap flights because of the business infrastructure. Singapore has its own airport and from there you get to almost every corner of the city with the metro. The metro works great and the prices are good. Feel free to grab a taxi in to the city and Uber and Grab are often used and accepted.

The Video Log on Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel

chinatown singapore

an impression of Singapore's Chinatown

Where to stay?

The most famous hotel of Singapore is probably the Marina Bay Sands. It is known for its infinity pool with a breathtaking view on the city. We stayed at a hotel close to the center but a more affordable one! click on this Link or watch the video log i filmed there.

Check it out here

What is special in Singapore?

The city offers huge skyscrapers with stunning views. The Marina Bay Sands for ecample is a huge hotel but a big shopping center as well. Futuristic architecture, especially the "gardens by the bay" will make your jaw drop. Besides those modern buildings Singapore has a clash of cultures and different religions. Experience how peaceful they life side by side in little India or Chinatown. 

The Video Log on Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel

gardens by the bay

Exploring Gardens by the Bay

Singapore Orchid Garden

Singapore Orchid Garden

The Perfspots Project

Perfspots stands for Perfect Spots. My passion is to explore places I've never been before. While running a startup, i travel as much as possible. Here i share the Perfect Spots i enjoyed the most. Spots you can get a great meal, sip a coffee with a breathtaking view or experience an exciting adventure. learn more about the project.

 

 

Restaurants in Canggu
Published by Ivan on | Permalink
canggu surfing

Canggu is the absolute hipster town of Bali. Custom bikes, tattoos, surf, yoga and of course hip cafes, restaurants and bars. This is what we experienced a week long and we loved it!

The Video Log on Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel

How to get to Canggu?

Canggu is situated in the southern part of Bali, close to the better known city "Seminyak". Bali has its own airport in Denpansar which is 40 min car drive away from Canggu. Book a hotel close to the beach or park your scooter at the beach parking. Just google for “Canggu” you won't miss it.

deus ex machina

a fancy custom bike made by Deus Ex Machina

Where to stay?

We stayed at a hotel close to the Old Man's Beach which we highly recommend 

Check it out here

This little Bed & Breakfast is an absolute dream and really a realxing oasis. Super kind staff we felt like were family. I also filmed a seperate vlog about this amazing place

What is special there?

The most amazing things are the Canggu Restaurants! A lot of healthy and tasty dishes served in restaurants and cafes with fancy interiors. The nightlife is great and if you still able do wake up for the early swell after partying you'll be surfing on some of Bali's most amazing waves.

hotel canggu

Hotels & Hostels in Canggu



Booking.com

The Perfspots Project

Perfspots stands for Perfect Spots. My passion is to explore places I've never been before. While running a startup, i travel as much as possible. Here i share the Perfect Spots i enjoyed the most. Spots you can get a great meal, sip a coffee with a breathtaking view or experience an exciting adventure. learn more about the project.

 

 

Bali travel

Bingin Beach
Published by Ivan on | Permalink
surfing bingin beach

Before arriving at our Hotel in the region of Uluwatu we never heard of Bingin Beach before. Apparently the Bingin Beach turned out to be the nearest beach of our hotel. So we jumped into the swimming outfit on the first morning to explore this Beach.

The Video Log on Youtube. Don't forget to subscribe to my Youtube Channel

How to get to the Bingin Beach?

Bingin Beach is situated in the southern part of Bali, the region of Uluwatu. Bali has its own airport in Denpansar which is 35 min car drive away from Bingin Beach. Book a hotel close to the beach or park your scooter at the beach parking. Just google for “bingin beach parking”. From the parking should be street signs leading to the beach. The way leads through unconventional narrow streets through the buildings in front of the beach. sometimes the way seems to be wrong but trust the signs your on the right track.

bingin beach

Where to stay?

We stayed at a hotel close to the Bingin Beach which we can’t recommend because of some issues we had whilest our stay so i’d recommend you a place right at the beach.

Check it out here

How much does it cost?

The access to the Beach is free. Perhaps you have to pay for the parking which mostly costs around 10/20 Indonesian Rupiah. The Hotels are in different price ranges from cheap to super expansive.

What is special there?

The time i was there, Bingin Beach was nearly empty. Behind the beach is a hill covered with hotels and restaurants. Sitting in one of those Cafes, sipping a smoothie and watching the surfers conquer the waves is an amazing experience. It is probably not the most preffered beach for swimmers as there is a stoney ground and the waves are so good for surfing because of the reef under the water.

Kelly's Warung

Kelly's Warung, my recommendation for a good eat and delicious smoothie whit a fantastic seaview.

The Perfspots Project

Perfspots stands for Perfect Spots. My passion is to explore places I've never been before. While running a startup, i travel as much as possible. Here i share the Perfect Spots i enjoyed the most. Spots you can get a great meal, sip a coffee with a breathtaking view or experience an exciting adventure. learn more about the project.

 

 

Bali travel